DERRY - Town officials are getting into the spirit of the season with a giving tree in the lobby of the Derry Municipal Center at 14 Manning Street.

This year, donations made through the giving tree will benefit the Derry Community Fund and the Sonshine Soup Kitchen, according to Jill McLaughlin, town human services administrator.

"The giving tree items will be collected at the municipal center in the designated donation boxes to supplement the needs of the Derry Community Fund and the Sonshine Soup Kitchen," said McLaughlin. "The need this year is for winter outerwear for all ages, men's and women's undergarments, personal care items, and gifts for teenagers."

In order for the gifts to be distributed before the holiday, the last day to drop off donations is Wednesday, Dec. 12, for the Derry Community Fund and Tuesday, Dec. 18, for the Sonshine Soup Kitchen.

"In addition to our town employees, we encourage and welcome the public to select a card off the giving tree, purchase the items, and return them to the Derry Municipal Center," said McLaughlin.

The municipal center lobby is accessible from Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Wednesday until 7 p.m.

Tax deductible monetary donations may be mailed to the Sonshine Soup Kitchen, located at 4 Crystal Ave., No. 4, Derry, NH 03038, or delivered in person between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The kitchen serves free, hot meals to anyone in need Monday through Friday at 4:30 p.m. in the First Baptist Church parish hall at 4 Crystal Ave.

Anyone who is in need of holiday assistance can also pick up applications for the Derry Community Fund in the Human Services office at the municipal center during business hours.

"The town of Derry Human Services provide emergency assistance to Derry residents who lack adequate financial resources to meet their basic needs," said McLaughlin. "The most common types of assistance are rent, shelter, electric, oil, emergency life-threatening medication, transportation, and food. Please consider joining us in making this holiday season brighter for our fellow Derry residents who are most in need."